HOPE FOR SIMEI'S JOURNEY
My name is Simei Bakawonga, 52 years old. I was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2018 after high blood pressure damaged my kidneys. I have been on dialysis for 8 years.
I am married to Judith Bakawonga and we are blessed with 5 children (2 girls and 3 boys).
Before dialysis, I was a hardworking man with many responsibilities. Dialysis has weakened my body and often affects my strength and ability to work. I am looking for a living kidney donor so I can have a transplant and improve my health and quality of life.
My family is still young and needs my support and have so many responsibilities including looking after other children outside my family.
The waiting list can take many years. Without a living donor, I will have to continue living on dialysis while I wait, so I am asking for help finding a living donor.
Support Simei with a Precious Gift of Life
Discover a journey of hope and family where you can help Simei's children & Family
Simei's children
Information for potential donors and families
"One act of love can change many lives."
How to help
If you are interested in being considered as a living donor, please contact my transplant center’s Living Donor Program directly and tell them you want to be evaluated as a donor for Simei Bakawonga.
Transplant center / Living Donor Program: Keck Hospital of USC.
Deciding to be a living kidney donor is a personal decision. If you would like information, you can learn more privately and at your own pace.
1. Call the Living Donor Program at Keck Hospital of USC.
2. Complete initial screening (often a brief health questionnaire).
3. Talk with the donor team about the process and recovery.
4. Matching and next steps via direct or paired exchange.
Your privacy matters
Potential donors contact the transplant center directly. Medical testing results are confidential.
• Most if not all donor-related costs are typically covered by the recipient’s insurance.
• You don’t have to be my blood type to help: If you’re not a match, you may still be able to help through a paired exchange program.
• Getting information doesn’t obligate you: You can ask questions and learn more before making any decision.
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Confidentiality: Your medical information and testing results are private. The donor team can also explain what costs are covered.
Thank you to everyone who has stood with me through these years—it has not been an easy journey. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for sharing it with others who may be able to help.
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Thank You
My name is Judith Bakawonga and have been married to him for 16years now. Thank you so much for being here and for caring about our family. In 2018, our lives changed when high blood pressure damaged Simei’s kidneys and he was diagnosed with kidney failure. For the past 8 years, he has been on dialysis. Dialysis keeps him alive, but it has taken a big toll on his body. Some days he is so weak and tired that even simple tasks are hard. Before dialysis, Simei was a strong, hardworking man. He provided for our family and also helped many less-privileged people in our community.
He has always had a big heart. Besides our 5 children 2 girls and 3 boys he has helped care for other children who still need his support. It has been very painful to watch him struggle, knowing how much he wants to keep giving and serving others. As his wife, I see his courage every day. I see him fight to stay positive for our children. I see him push through pain and exhaustion so he can still be a father, a husband, and a friend. But I also see the fear and the uncertainty.
We do not know how long his body can keep going like this. That is why we are here today. We are looking for a living kidney donor who can give Simei a second chance at life. A transplant would mean more time with our children. It would mean he could regain some of his strength, return to work, and continue helping others the way he always has. I know this is a big ask. Considering organ donation is not easy. But I also know that one act of love can change many lives.
If you feel moved, I ask you to please learn more about living kidney donation, share Simei’s story, and keep our family in your prayers. On behalf of our children and our whole family, thank you for listening, for your kindness, and for any way you can help whether by donating, sharing this message, or simply standing with us in hope. May God bless you.
HELP SIMEI THRIVE
Contact the Transplant Team
Keck Hospital of USC Living Donor Program
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If you are interested in being considered as a living donor, please reach out directly. The team is approachable, reassuring, and here to support you through every question.
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Transplant team is Available to answer any questions Monday to Friday 8am to 5am on 323-442-5908.
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Keck Medine of USC
USC Trasplant Institute
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1510 San pablo street
Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90033
Phone 323 -442-5908